Bulls using video boards to recruit Carmelo Anthony

With the official NBA free agency period beginning on Tuesday, the Chicago Bulls are making it no secret that Carmelo Anthony is their top priority. Upon arriving in Chicago in his van that had police escorts in front and behind it, Anthony saw images of himself in a Bulls uniform plastered on and around the United Center.

The Bulls' recruiting pitch to Carmelo is already underway. This is the message on the side of the United Center. pic.twitter.com/7vsu4kCpuL

ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell reported that ‘Melo received some scattered applause from fans who were anticipating his arrival outside the United Center. He politely thanked them as he walked into the building. Joakim Noah also showed up shortly after Anthony, presumably to play a role in Chicago’s pitch.

The Bulls obviously have a winning tradition and can easily argue that they are closer to being a championship-caliber team than the New York Knicks. Other teams are going to do the same stuff when Anthony comes to town, so I doubt the video boards will have much influence. The prospect of playing with Noah and Derrick Rose and under Tom Thibodeau is probably what will be most appealing to ‘Melo.